Define: Family And Medical Leave Act 1993

The FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.

Employees who have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months, are generally eligible for FMLA leave.

FMLA leave can be taken for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a seriously ill family member, or for the employee’s own serious health condition.

Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave in a 12-month period.

Yes, FMLA leave can be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule when medically necessary.

Employers can deny FMLA leave if the employee is not eligible, if the reason for leave does not qualify under FMLA, or if the employee has already used up their 12-week entitlement.

Yes, employers can require employees to provide medical certification to support their need for FMLA leave.

Yes, employers can require employees to use accrued paid leave (such as sick or vacation days) during FMLA leave.

Employers cannot terminate an employee for taking FMLA leave, but they can terminate an employee for reasons unrelated to the leave.

Employees who believe their FMLA rights have been violated can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or consult with an employment law attorney.